Haigh statement on takeover collapse

30 Jan 2014 02:25 pm, by YorkshireSquare

Leeds United Managing Director and figurehead of the Sport Capital takeover bid David Haigh spoke with Radio Leeds' Adam Pope on the collapse of the takeover bid. Here is what he had to say;

I have spent more than a year working for what I passionately believe are the best interests of LUFC. I have also been grateful for the full and continuing support of GFH Capital and my fellow board members at Leeds. My primary aim has always been to source the additional strategic investment necessary to take the club forward.

Last year what I believed was the right opportunity presented itself in the shape of a chance for me to lead a consortium of investors, under the name of Sport Capital, to acquire a major stake holding in the club. As fans know, we signed a share acquisition agreement with GFH Capital at the end of last year. I personally assure every supporter every public statement made regarding the acquisition was made in the utmost good faith. Unfortunately, however, some of the consortium's backers ultimately didn't feel able to deliver the financial backing we had hoped was agreed to take the club forward.

Despite this, the future of this club remains the most important thing to me personally and I remain totally committed to putting the right team and backing in place to ensure that Leeds United can move forward. It is an indication of that commitment that in recent months the Sports Capital consortium and I personally have injected substantial sums into the club to ensure its viability. At the same time neither my life nor my job has been made easier by the personal intrusions abuse directed towards me on social media or by some of the smear campaigns against me personally. Equally, some of the speculation & stories published in the media have made things difficult for everyone including the staff, players & supporters.

I have met many, many potential investors over the past year and, sadly, while many are keen to talk the talk they have been unable or unwilling to deliver in financial terms. Nevertheless these talks continue with a number of parties to seek the best possible outcome for Leeds United.

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YorkshireSquare wrote on 31 Jan 2014 03:50 pm

Statement issued by Mike Farnan and the Together Leeds group...

Together Leeds, led by Mike Farnan, issued an offer for the share capital of Leeds United on the 14th November 2013. The value offered was significantly in excess of the amount publicly reported.

Our bid remains fully funded, and our strategy involves credible Yorkshire and football people, with Leeds and the community at their heart, rebuilding this great club. We think that our consortium is the best future custodian of the club and represents the best way forward.

In recent days, before and since the collapse of the Sport Capital bid, we have re-engaged with GFH, and offered significant investment into the club.

We are hopeful of those discussions being allowed to progress to a successful conclusion.

We thank everyone for the huge support shown to us, particularly this week.

Ends

YorkshireSquare wrote on 30 Jan 2014 09:34 pm

A statement from GFH Capital, owners of Leeds United...

Following recent media speculation, GFH Capital can confirm that we are in continual discussions regarding the introduction of new investment into Leeds United Football Club.

Since acquiring ownership of the club in December 2012, we have supported the club financially, supported the manager, and worked hard to forge closer links with both the fans and the local community.

We have never made any secret about the fact that our aim has always been to attract investment partners, and we are currently speaking to a number of parties regarding the acquisition of shares.

We would ask fans to ignore the media speculation surrounding investment, and be assured that we remain as committed as ever to the club and ensuring any new investment is in the best interests of Leeds United, for now and the future.

We'd like to thank our fans for their wonderful support and for their patience, and we will endeavour to keep you updated.

lykewake walker wrote on 30 Jan 2014 04:59 pm

I have supported United for 60 of my 67 years. I stopped my season ticket when that clown from Chelsea bought our club and just bought match day tickets for the games that I wanted to watch.
The appointment of BMc and the proposed Sports Capital takeover had me considering buying a season ticket again next year.
Now, well I just feel sick inside, I will not be going to another game this season, I will not be a season ticket holder next year, why, because I won't have a club to support. If this little Italian gets the club you can all kiss goodbye to the Leeds United that we love, The loss of my money won't have the wanna be new owners worrying but if everyone of us who loves this great club boycott the games coming up Leeds United will not seem to be such an easy money making prospect.
Lets show them that we are sick of being lied to and being treated like fools, there's only one place to hurt them and that's in the pocket, they aren't coming here because they love the club they are just coming for what they think will be easy money.
MOT